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MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

27 October 1955

SUBJECT: Interview with Senator Richard B. Russell

1. On 27 October, Dr. Francis Clauser, O/SI consultant, and I interviewed Senator Russell relative to an observation of unconventional or saucer-like aircraft during his visit to Russia. The following is a statement of his observations with my comments. Dr. Clauser will submit separately his views on Senator Russell's statements but I believe he is in general agreement with the views stated herein.

2. The party was travelling between Baku and Tiflis on a train at the specific request of Senator Russell who made every attempt to journey by train when possible. (This tends to refute the theory that the train trip was arranged in order to stage the operation for Senator Russell's benefit.) About an hour and one-half out of Baku the subject, who was not feeling well, was resting in his compartment with the lights turned out while the remainder of the party was in the next compartment with the lights on. He suddenly noticed a greenish-yellow ball rising rapidly. He rushed into the next compartment stating that he had seen what he thought was a flying saucer. They turned out the lights and looked out the window but saw nothing and the rest of the party was initially skeptical. However, suddenly a second ball was noticed rising rapidly and then the other members of the party were convinced. The second object was initially seen at a minimum altitude of 700 to 800 feet, while the first object was initially viewed at an even higher altitude. Nothing was seen on the ground with the exception of a search light which was about one-half to one mile away and appeared to be aimed at a very low trajectory almost at the train. The subject did not on either occasion see the form of the object, only this glowing ball. No firm estimate could be made of the size or distance of the ball because there were no reference objects. However, the subject had the impression that the object could have been as small as a rocket although no trail was left as it rose. The object gave the impression of whirling and appeared to follow a single trajectory with no break in its flight pattern. The subject did not see any lights, only the yellowish glow (this is contrary to statements of other observers). The search light did not appear to be following the object. About five to ten minutes after the sightings and after the subject had returned to his own compartment, the guard came in and pulled down the

T. S. 115482, Series A
Copy of 10

ENCLOSURE

This material contains information affecting the national defense of the United States within the meaning of the enplanage laws, Title 10, USC, Secs. 793 and 794, the transmission or revelation of which in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.

5-APJ

42-83874-361